London Wine Fair announces first consumer event

ByJo Gilbert

Published: 26 April, 2016

The team behind the of The London Wine Fair is set to launch a new event, which draws on the recent success of Esoterica and Brewhouse, and the influx of small, independent companies to exhibit at the fair over the past three years.

The team behind the of The London Wine Fair is set to launch a new event, which draws on the recent success of Esoterica and Brewhouse, and the influx of small, independent companies to exhibit at the fair over the past three years.

The Epicurean is a brand new event concept for the UK by Brintex, organisers of the LWF.

The event, set to launch this autumn, will be a tasting and buying experience for those looking to discover new fine food and artisanal drinks.

Visitors to the event will be able to purchase a mixed case from as many exhibitors as they wish.

The Epicurean will take place in London's Shoreditch, at The Old Truman Brewery, on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October 2016.

Ross Carter, event director of both The Epicurean and The London Wine Fair, said: "The interest in quality, hard to find or handcrafted drinks and food is significant, particularly in London and other urban centres. Beer and spirits have successfully engaged with consumers and fostered this growing desire for discovery. This desire for discovery also exists for wine, but until now it has been left behind when it comes to experiential events. By bringing together all of the categories, with the emphasis on wine, we have an opportunity to engage with the public in a way that the trade has talked about for some time."

Food and drink sampling will be free for everyone who visits, with exhibitors able to sell by the glass or bottle from their pod, there will also be a bar and multiple street food vendors, where visitors can purchase food and drink to consume on-site.

The Epicurean will cater to consumers looking to sample fine food and artisanal drinks not available on the high street before they make purchasing decisions.

Visitors will be able to build personalised cases as they explore the event, pay on-site, and have the produce home-delivered post-show.

Up to 150 exhibitors - either importers or producers - will be showcased, split into four categories, all of which have a boutique focus: fine wine, craft beer, artisanal spirits and fine food.